A great American pioneer passed away February 26th. Katherine Johnson was a central figure in the novel and movie Hidden Figures. She worked her way from a public-school teacher in West Virginia to being a “computer” (super-mathematician) for NASA. Her calculations paved the way for...
An unexpected snowfall in Santa Fe squelched outdoor plans. The NFL season was over, so why not grout? In a house with all tile floors, that’s a lot of grout. We soon realized that if the work was to be good, it had to be...
We spent last weekend near Cortez, Colorado. The area called Canyons of the Ancients contains the highest concentration of previously inhabited Native sites in the U.S. The Puebloan (or Anasazi) people thrived there in the 10th through the 12th centuries and were determined to leave...
As you prepare and structure your presentation, speak to both the challenges and aspirations of your audience. When you do, you will capture your own award....
When it’s your turn to speak, immerse yourself, and like any jazz musician, riff on a theme or deliver a colorful insight. And because you are in the moment, inspiration will come to you. Then your creativity can gain strength and drive the rest of...
When you launch a new phase or career, be as intentional as Bryant. Start with the fundamentals and practice daily, knowing that attaining mastery is a steady accrual of skills. Record yourself rehearsing, and like a pro athlete, watch your videos. Improve that “person you...
Consider every piece of content you present the same way. Yes, it may be technically accurate, but it can be more memorable if you add your impression, or the way it makes you feel. Consequently, that emotion will be transferred to your audience....
Pull something dramatic from the headlines for an opening. Pick up a prop and make a connection with it to your topic. Intersperse colorful visuals with text slides in your PowerPoint deck. Tap into the brain's capacity to recognize and record novelty. ...
Instead, aim for delivering a presentation that is engaging, audience specific, and in sync with your values. Commit to your material. And let the chips fall where they may....
Find your approach, your voice, and your interpretation of the material. Even if your firm has constructed the content or PowerPoint, you can present it with your insights and personal style that will make it sing. Happy 2020....